14 Best Dropbox Alternatives for Secure and Smarter Storage

Dropbox is undeniably one of the most favored cloud storage options that lets you keep your photos, videos, and documents in the cloud.

While Dropbox has its merits, there may be better alternatives out there. As data security crises continue escalating and users demand more control over their digital assets, searching for the best Dropbox alternative that offers secure cloud storage has intensified. 

Here is a quick summary of the best Dropbox alternative platforms I’ll be discussing below.

If you’re looking for secure and smarter cloud storage alternatives to Dropbox, you’re in luck! 

Why should you consider Dropbox alternatives? 

There are obvious reasons to consider alternative cloud storage providers over Dropbox, and here’s a clear breakdown of Dropbox’s limitations:

• Data Access: Dropbox may restrict access to your data.
• Limited Free Storage: Users with free accounts get a mere 2GB of storage.
• Tool Overload: An excess of tools can lead to a platform mess.
• Expensive Subscriptions: Subscription plans proposed by Dropbox can be felt overpriced.
• Complex Organization: File and folder organization can become needlessly intricate.

The Criteria for Selecting the Best Dropbox Alternative

Mobile apps: Dropbox boasts mobile applications for both Android and iOS platforms. So, alternatives should have a mobile app for at least one of these platforms.

Storage: While Dropbox Basic equips a mere 2GB of complimentary storage, Dropbox’s opponents offer a more generous storage capacity, ranging from 5GB to 15GB in their free plans. So always select Dropbox alternatives with a minimum of 5GB of free storage.

Security and privacy protocols: Dropbox utilizes the robust 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) to safeguard stored data, and it uses Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)/Transport Layer Security (TLS) during data transfer, both of which are widely acknowledged security protocols. 

Moreover, Dropbox has executed safeguards to preserve user privacy and identify dubious account activity, phishing attempts, or malware. Always consider alternatives that operate similar protocols to safeguard the confidentiality of user data.

Having said that, let’s check out the list in this post to uncover the latest and most popular options available in demand.

Zoho WorkDrive

Zoho WorkDrive is often overlooked as a viable alternative to Dropbox, but it’s a versatile online file management tool. It delivers a collaborative workspace where everyone can access files in real-time. Whether you need to store documents, spreadsheets, presentations, or even multimedia files like music and movies, Zoho WorkDrive lets you have all your files readily available wherever you are.

Features:

• Sticks to industry-specific compliance standards.
• Acts as an additional storage medium for your files.
• Presents an incredibly secure environment for storing your files.
• Incorporates with Dropbox, Google Drive, and Adobe Sign.
• Provides advanced analytics and ample reporting abilities.

Having all your files kept in one primary location makes it quite convenient to share them with associates, even while you’re on the move. What’s more, Zoho WorkDrive has built-in Zoho Office editors, making it easy to build and edit documents with your team. You can also form unique presentations and share them with your target audience. 

Sync

Sync is a Canadian firm committed to making cloud storage more inexpensive. They provide a free subscription with crucial communication functions and 5GB of safe storage. 

This Dropbox alternative is available for Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, and the web, authorizing you to sync and access your data from anywhere. One apparent security feature is remotely locking out devices linked to your Sync account if lost or stolen.

Features:

• Access cloud files readily via Windows Explorer and Mac Finder.
• Instant retrieval from ransomware, hardware problems, and human blunders.
• No third-party tracking.
• All Sync plans offer end-to-end encryption and a built-in SOC (System and Organization Controls).

Sync employs enterprise-grade infrastructure and complies with global security and privacy standards.

Internxt

Internxt is a blockchain-based cloud storage platform that focuses highly on customer privacy. End-to-end encryption promises that all uploaded and shared files are safe and inaccessible to third parties.

With ingenious zero-knowledge technology, Internxt is devoted to protecting user privacy. It offers unique attributes like easy backup configuration and complete control over data access.

Features:

• Quick upload and download rates and compatibility with various devices and operating systems.
• Free bonus 10GB plan.
• Fully GDPR compliant and ensure 100% data safety.
• The platform is built from scratch using open-source software.
• Its code is publicly known on GitHub, enabling personal inspection, auditing, and validation by anyone.

Drive, Photos, and Send are the company’s three primary privacy-focused services, and they are all presented as essential services. 

NordLocker

Similar to Dropbox, NordLocker is a very safe online storage alternative. It’s incredible for guarding your personal and business records because they have a strict policy that states they have no idea what you store in your storage.

Features:

• Safeguard your business data in a secure online file vault with NordLocker’s Admin Panel.
• Maintain privacy for your files when screening or opening files in the app on a specific device.
• Improve security with multi-factor authentication.
•  Offers various ways like backup codes, authenticator apps, and third-party security keys.
• Subscribers obtain 3GB of complimentary secure cloud storage space.

This raises security and gives you complete control over your files and folders. NordLocker utilizes sophisticated codes and reliable encryption techniques to protect your data.

pCloud

pCloud delivers strong Swiss data security with client-side encryption and zero-knowledge privacy. As a Dropbox alternative, they place great importance on secure multimedia storage. Client-side encryption protects your files from unauthorized access because the encryption happens on your device before the data is transmitted to pCloud’s servers. 

Features:

• Free pCloud account contains up to 10GB of cloud storage.
• Relish lifetime access to programs with one-time payments.
• Benefit from TLS/SSL channel protection.
• All files are connected with 256-bit AES encryption.
• Access diverse file-sharing options.

Furthermore, because encryption keys are only known to the data creator, the zero-knowledge privacy feature confirms that the service provider cannot access them.

Tresorit

Tresorit prides itself on being a highly secure online storage and sharing alternative. While it is primarily designed for businesses and teams collaborating, it also has plans to serve particular users.

Tresorit delivers robust encryption for your cloud storage, enables secure file sharing, and even supports electronic signatures for your organization’s needs internally and with superficial partners. 

Features:

• Provide secure file storage within and outside your organization through encrypted links.
• Benefit from physical security standards and round-the-clock monitoring.
• Safely store, synchronize, and share your valuable files within a secure encrypted cloud while keeping complete control.
• Enjoy the security of patented zero-knowledge encryption for your sensitive documents.
• Improve security with two-factor authentication (2FA) for authentication.

With Tresorit, you can stay productive even when you’re on the move, and you’ll have access to enterprise-level data storage no matter where you are. It’s consistent with all devices and browsers, providing a robust experience across your tech ecosystem.

Icedrive

Enjoy Icedrive, a revolutionary Dropbox alternative that makes your cloud storage an effortless addition to your physical hard disc. Now, while protecting your valuable storage space, you can easily access, organize, and rework your cloud files as if they were on your computer. Despite being a newcomer to the industry, it has already had a remarkable impact.

With client-side encryption that puts you in charge and zero-knowledge privacy that guarantees your data is kept private, this innovative solution claims an unmatched level of protection.

Features:

• A diverse choice of cloud storage apps for various platforms.
• Delivers an abundant 10GB of free cloud storage.
• Implements zero-knowledge encryption on the user’s device.
• Requires considerable bandwidth for uninterrupted service.
• Operates passwords for shared file access control.

Managing your files is a snap thanks to its user-friendly interface design, and the reasonable pricing makes the bargain even better.

MEGA

By offering a free plan with a much larger storage capacity, MEGA stands at par with other Dropbox providers. You acquire a sizable 50GB of storage for your files with MEGA’s free plan, and you can add 10GB for each person you invite to join. This is especially striking given that most similar alternatives typically only provide 2 to 5GB of free storage.

Features:

• TLS encryption ensures GDPR compliance worldwide.
• Secures end-to-end communication with AES-128 encryption.
• Two-factor authentication is supported for enhanced security.
• Both free and premium plans are proposed.
• Annual transparency reports are posted.

Additionally, MEGA offers a selection of affordable paid plans with storage prospects going all the way up to 16TB. You can pick a Pro Flexi or Business plan if you require even more storage capacity, and you’ll only be charged for the extra space you utilize.

CloudMe

As a Dropbox substitute, CloudMe is a well-liked option among industries and professionals globally. It combines cloud storage and data synchronization, making it simple to transmit photographs taken with your smartphone camera to your tablet. 

Documents and media files can also be synced between many devices, making sharing and swapping files with coworkers and associates simple.

Features:

• Cloud file server for company-managed shared space.
• Data is held in the company’s account, not individual employee accounts.
• Swedish servers that prioritize privacy.
• Compatible with Android and iOS.
• Offers vast sharing options for employees, suppliers, associates, and clients.

In Europe, CloudMe is well known as a top-notch cloud and sync storage platform that delivers a safe and feature-rich user experience across all devices.

box

The box is an excellent alternative to Dropbox, primarily for corporations and team collaboration. It provides features and tools to improve productivity and encourage communication with coworkers, clients, partners, and suppliers. Its primary intent is to streamline your job and increase its efficiency.

Features:

• Complete data security with seven distinct sharing roles.
• 2FA for all users and strong watermarking for leak prevention.
• A centralized hub for file control, storage, and task panel.
• Easy workflow automation with pre-made templates, customizable options, and a no-code workflow builder.

It has wide-ranging integration support, including Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, Slack, Zoom, and more.

IDrive

IDrive is a fantastic option for a Dropbox substitute for distant online server storage of personal and professional files. The platform is incredibly reliable and experiences minimal downtime.

Features:

• Real-time syncing across linked devices via Cloud Drive.
• Safe 256-bit AES encryption with user-defined keys for file transfers and storage.
• Efficiently backs up only revised file portions.
• Backup storage limits compatibility without further impact.
• Rapid data backup and retrieval within a week via physical shipment, minimizing bandwidth usage.

Five gigabytes of storage are included in their free plan, as is customary. However, you can upgrade to a hefty two terabytes of storage space for an annual subscription, which is more than Microsoft OneDrive offers. This indicates no further fees; your data is accessible for an entire year.

Microsoft OneDrive

If you’re used to utilizing Microsoft’s operating system, Microsoft OneDrive is a well-known alternative to Dropbox. In addition to the software, installing Microsoft Office often comes with a free OneDrive account.

When maintaining your privacy is a priority, OneDrive is an ideal option for safely storing your data and documents online.

Features:

• OneDrive keeps your files and photos safe even if you lose your device.
• You get 1 TB of cloud storage, document sharing, and ransomware retrieval.
• Access your OneDrive files in Windows 11 without using up PC space.
• Improve security with OneDrive Personal Vault for critical files and photos.
• Get rid of large email attachments and thumb drives; send links via email or text.

OneDrive has 5 GB of storage by default, but you can elevate it to a hefty 1 TB storage. This represents a considerable boost compared to Dropbox’s standard paid storage space.

Apple iCloud

Regarding cloud storage, selecting Apple iCloud drive is a no-brainer for those deeply entrenched in Apple’s ecosystem. iCloud Drive lets you safely back up many files, including PDFs and critical data crucial for iPhone applications.

Features:

• Automated Wi-Fi backups for iOS and iPadOS.
• Free 5GB storage.
• iCloud offers up to 2TB storage.
• Easy integration with the Apple ecosystem.

Furthermore, it includes specialized mobile apps for both iPhones and iPads, letting you access your data while on the go. Users initially receive 5 GB of storage space, with the option to subscribe to Cloud for additional storage capacity if required.

Google Drive

One of Google’s many applications is Google Drive, a practical cloud storage service. There is 15GB of free storage space available to you, and here’s a cool feature: You can back up your photographs and movies at a little lower quality without exhausting your free storage space.

Features:

• Content access is guaranteed through encryption for safety.
• File customization doesn’t rely on your data.
• Google’s AI and search engine speed up file searches by up to 50%.
• Gives 15GB of free cloud storage.
• Merges with various apps and tools, including Docs, Sheets, Slides, Salesforce, Microsoft Office, DocuSign, Slack, Autodesk, and more.

Google Drive is a perfect option to save your private and professional data safely.

Conclusion

Dropbox ranks high among cloud storage providers due to its widespread use and user-friendly features. However, it’s worth noting that there are alternatives to Dropbox that can better suit specific needs. For instance, Google Drive offers similar functionality without a monthly subscription fee.

Dropbox is a reliable service with special features and reliability. Still, it’s crucial to consider other options in the market that may deliver similar or even superior credentials for your specific needs.

You may also explore some best document collaboration tools for remote teams.